The High Road Upper School of Prince George’s County conveniently located at 12050 Baltimore Avenue has served the instructional and behavioral needs of at-risk students in Prince Georges County since 2001.   With over 20 years of company experience, we’re distinctly prepared to best meet the individualized educational needs of our school population.  Serving as a vendor for our local public schools, our efforts are concentrated on guiding students through personalized academic, behavioral, and transitional goals to ensure their continued development and growth.

Because we specialize in high-school aged at-risk students (in both a graded and a non-graded program), we place a great emphasis on our comprehensive Life Skills Program, which combines traditional class work, hands‐on tutorials, one‐on‐one instructional sessions, and on‐ and off‐site activities to equip young adults with the skills and know‐how they’ll need to function properly and productively in society following graduation. This program is comprised of five components — (1) Academic Curriculum; (2) Vocational Training; (3) Behavioral & Social Skills; (4) Community Immersion; and (5) Independent Living Instruction — and since its inception in 2005, we’re proud to say that the program has graduated 100% of its seniors.

In a continuing effort to further assist our at-risk population in meeting their districts graduation requirements, the High Road Upper School is pleased to announce our new Credit Recovery Program.  This initiative will provide students (between the ages of 18-21) the chance to recover credits lost over the period of their high school career.  Keith White, Senior Director, recently announced the development of this program in an effort to provide additional opportunities for an increased number of at-risk students to earn their high school diploma.  
With a dedicated staff of teachers, counselors & job coaches utilizing small class sizes, supplementary support services, and individualized approach to education — we’re able to lead our students toward success in all facets of their lives: in the classroom, at home, and in the community.

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Mark Your Calendars

April 26, 2012 - 7th Annual Fine Arts Festival
May 10, 2012 - Regional Career Fair
May 18, 2012 - Junior/Senior Prom
June 11, 2012 - Graduation

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Say Cheese 

February 1, 2012

Picture day is coming for students.  Please click link below for additional details.

Picture Day

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Classic Art in the Making

High Road Bulldogs are busily preparing for the upcoming Fine Arts Festival! The Festival will be held on April 26, 2012. Projects are being led by staff Mrs. Sarah Corley, Ms. Telia Jones, Ms. Kristin Collier, Alexis Adamczyk, and Katheryn Oved, among others. Projects will reflect a variety of talents. Students have most recently been preparing a series of paper-mache Disney characters, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Daisy Duck, Donald Duck, and Pluto. Ms. Jones, who inspired the Disney theme, stated, “I am so amped up because the kids are so excited! They all want to help out and participate.” Stay tuned for more information, and pictures!

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High Road Bowl 2012

Wednesday, February 1
Jessup Soccerdome (Indoors)

Like the NFL, the High Road Flag Football Season is heading towards its Championship. 3 teams, 1 day 1 championship.

New Hope Academy (Baltimore)
High Road Academy (Lanham)
High Road Upper School (Beltsville)

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Most Improved Student

December 2011

Keon, an 11th grader who has attended High Road for 1 year, was recognized as December’s Most Improved Student. He achieved this by demonstrating the ability to stay on task and complete assignments. Keon has especially been making strides in his reading progress. He has been maintaining focus, and decreasing his distracting behavior. Keon has been utilizing coping skills, such as requesting walks, and taking self time-outs when he has a difficult time rather than shutting down, or eloping from school. Keon has been able to manage aggressive impulses and avoid peer negativity. He now asks for help when needed, and sets goals for himself to help ensure his progress. Keon has been developing his self-esteem, and is able to acknowledge his strengths and the areas in which he has shown improvement. Social worker, Ms. Alexis stated, “Keon has shown insight into past problematic behavior and has demonstrated growth in his ability to appropriately problem solver situations.”

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Student of the Month

December 2011

Joshua, a senior, was named as December’s Student of the Month. Joshua was proud of this accomplishment, stating that he has “never gotten something like that”. Joshua was recognized for his consistently on task and respectful behavior. His positive attitude at school has increased tremendously, and he has been able to work positively within many facets of the school community. Joshua gets along well with peers, and is helpful to those around him. Joshua has recently risen to silver level. During this school year, Joshua has been on gold, and silver, but has never fallen below blue level. He is a wonderful role model to his fellow classmates.

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Staff Highlights

Ms. Syreeda Ferguson

The High Road Upper School of Prince George’s County is pleased to recognize Ms. Syreeda Ferguson for her exceptional contributions.  Ms. Ferguson, was selected by her peers for her outstanding work with her students and throughout the school.

Ms. Ferguson has been with the High Road School since 2011. Throughout her tenure, as a our Job Coach, she has proven to be a great resource for the students.  She has clearly been a reliable, hard-working and dedicated staff member.  When asked about Ms. Ferguson, her fellow colleagues shared the following:

•    Enjoys helping others
•    Exhibits professionalism
•    Goes above and beyond to transport the kids to their Community Service trips
•    Takes initiative
•    Contributes as a team player
•    Helps take Transition Program to the next level
•    Develops an awesome rapport with student workers
•    Provides appropriate supervision school transition and outside workers
•    Has an infectious smile

It is easy to see why this recognition is well deserved by Ms. Ferguson.  We thank her for her hard work and continued commitment to making the High Road Upper School of Prince George’s County the best it can be.

Career Preparation

High Road transition staff, Mr. Mattison and Ms. Ferguson have been building some valuable connections within the community. They have arranged for students to be taken out to area restaurants, auto-mechanic shops, daycares, and even the local fire department! These trips are allowing students to have the valuable opportunity to become immersed in real life work experiences. This will help them get a taste for various careers and begin preparing to become part of the future work force!

Student of The Month - November

David was recognized as November’s Student of the Month. David is a 9th grader, and enrolled at High Road in August. He values school success, and earned honor roll during the 1st quarter. David works well independently. He has been working hard to socialize more with his peers. David is always polite and kind to others, and consistently avoids peers negativity. Social worker, Ms. Alexis stated, “David is consistent in staying on task and following staff directions and school rules. He has shown a positive adjustment to High Road this fall, and wants to be successful in school.”

Most Improved Student - November

Anton was recognized as November’s Most Improved Student. Anton, a 9th grader, has been with High Road for 1 year. He has improved in many areas including an overall increase in his motivation to do well in school. Anton has been on task the majority of the time, and has significantly increased his work effort. Consequentially his grades have also improved. Anton has been motivated by the positive feedback he has been receiving from others. He has become a leader, helping others, and improving positive communication with staff and peers. Anton has been able to decrease instances of aggression and inappropriate interactions. Social worker, Ms. Alexis stated, “Anton has shown significant growth behaviorally and academically. He has demonstrated focus and a hard work ethic in the classroom. He wants to do well and is proud of himself when he does.”

Are You Ready for Some FOOTBALL?

The Beltsville Bulldogs are getting ready for their 2011 football season.  Practices are underway as the start of the season nears.  Stay tuned for Bulldog Updates throughout the season.

Reading Incentive Program

The staff at High Road Upper School has created a new program designed to spark student interest in books and literature. The program, kicked off on August 30, 2011, is a Reading Incentive Program (RIP).It has been designed, and spearheaded by teachers Ivan Johnson, and Aliciamarie Johnson. They are joined by social worker Amy Layman, and teaching staff Darren Stewart and Maleeca Bryant.

The program will use a combination of individual and group activities. Students will be rewarded with a lottery ticket each time an observer “catches” them engaged in reading a book. Monthly drawings of these tickets will be held dispensing awards such as gift cards, movie passes, homework passes, etc.

Additionally classes will compete in quarterly reading projects, as well as participate in Reading Week, taking place during the month of March. Other events will include “Stop, Drop, and Read” which is a spontaneous 10 minute reading activity, a pep rally, a book club meeting, a “Battle of the Books” event, and the annual High Road Upper School Book Fair. Ms. Johnson states, “we hope to ignite the desire to read in each of our students so that their lives can be enriched academically, socially, and professionally.”

So, GET READING!

A Partnership with the Community

Connection to the local community has long been a value of the High Road Schools.  For many years, our schools have worked together with local organization in a variety ways.  The High Road Upper School has both continued and formalized this tradition. 
Since 2010, the High Road Upper School has been a participant in the Greater Beltsville Business Association (www.beltsvillebusiness.com).  Keith White, Director and Kevin Mattison, Transition Director began attending since he very beginning at the suggestion of State Senator, James Rosapepe.  Since that time, Mr. White was selected to be on the Board of Directors as Secretary.
Participation in the Greater Beltsville Business Association (GBBA) has been pivotal in developing a closer relationship with the local community than ever before.  Our school has established several business partnerships with GBBA members.  These partnerships provide various career building opportunities for our students.
As a result of the involvement and leadership of Mr. White, our school has become widely known as an integral member of the Greater Beltsville Area.  Our school has been routinely asked to participate in neighborhood events such as Beltsville Day and National Night Out (August 2, 2011).  Recently, Mr. White reflected on the impact membership in the GBBA has had on the school, “Our school’s involvement in the GBBA has opened up many new doors for our students.  Each month, we continue to add new business partnerships.”  We look forward to another exciting year with the High Road Upper School and GBBA working together.

Please click here for more information

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High Road Upper School Supplies Special Needs Students Individualized Job Training

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New Job Opportunities

The High Road Upper School has a longstanding commitment to providing career development opportunities for our students.  Accordingly, the Transition Program at our school is designed to work with students to develop career goals, resume writing, interviewing skills & specific job skills.

As part of our program students are presented with various job opportunities inside and outside our school to serve as work experience leading to post-high school employment.  Mr. Kevin Mattision has been in constant contact with many businesses in the area.  As a result to the perseverance and hard work of Mr. Mattison, we are proud to announce partnerships with the following local businesses:

Laurel Auto Body
Moringside House of Laurel
Pepsi Bottling
Benke's Nursery
Shoppers
PG Community Federal Credit Union
Erickson Retirement Community
Pet Smart
Maryland National Capitol Parks

For additional information about job opportunities at these organization, please contact Kevin Mattison, Transition Coordinator (301) 210-4860 or e-mail at kmattision@highroadschool.com

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Tip Off Is Coming

The 2012 High Road Basketball Season is getting set to tip off.  Check back for additional details and game results throughout the season.

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Mark Your Calendars

April 26, 2012 - 7th Annual Fine Arts Festival
May 10, 2012 - Regional Career Fair
May 18, 2012 - Junior/Senior Prom
June 11, 2012 - Graduation

2011 Michael Cardin Scholarship Winners

Five Students of High Road Schools earn Scholarships
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The Michael Cardin Scholarship Fund was established in honor of Michael Cardin in memory of his extraordinary volunteerism and his support in the service of children with special needs.  The purpose of this fund is to provide financial assistance to students in non-public schools throughout the state of Maryland.

Each year, MANSEF (Maryland Association of Nonpublic Special Education Facilities) award deserving students attending non-public schools throughout the state of Maryland.  This year, 35 individuals were awarded scholarships by the Michael Cardin Scholarship Committee.  Four of those students attend High Road Schools within the Southern Maryland Region.  Our High Road School Student Winners along with the other scholarship recipients were honored at the MANSEF Annual Awards Luncheon on June 6, 2011 with Myrna Cardin and Nancy Grasmick, Maryland State Department of Education Superintendent, in attendance.

Douglas Argueta (High Road Academy – Lanham) received a scholarship for the C.A.S. Driving School.  As noted by his social worker, Ms. Jasmine McWain, “…he has proven to be a student that is focused and determined on succeeding…”  Learning how to drive will provide Douglas the independence to pursue his long-term career goals beyond high school.

Catheil Jackson (High Road Upper School – Beltsville) was awarded a scholarship to attend the Child Care Certification Training Class at Prince George’s Community College.  This 90 hour training course will allow Catheil to pursue employment in a Daycare Center.  As Catheil stated, “…my goal is to work with infants in daycare.  My plans are to stay focused and on the right track…to help them and teach them the important things in life.” 

Ashley Pannell (High Road School – Capitol Heights) is a graduate of the Class of 2010 who originally won the Michael Cardin Scholarship in 2010.  This year, she once again was awarded the scholarship to continue her college career at Washing Adventist University.  Along with attending classes, Ashley also works at her local CVS Pharmacy.  She also continues to stay in touch with the staff that helped her achieve her high school goals at the High Road School of Prince George’s County.

Aaron Robinson (High Road School – Capitol Heights) received a scholarship to attend Salisbury University to pursue a career in Nursing.  In his own words, “My goals are to help and be of service to the community…”  In her recommendation letter, Ms. Erica Robinson Newby, Social Worker shared that through his outstanding leadership and clear sense of purpose, Aaron has earned her “deepest respect”.

Dominic Wilson (High Road School – Capitol Heights) was awarded a scholarship to attend Prince George’s Community College to reach her childhood dreams of becoming a nurse.  Ms. Carmen McGinnis, Director, reflected on Dominic in her recommendation letter. Specifically, she stated, “She is very hard working and diligent about her academic studies.  As a result, Dominic has consistently earned honor roil since her 9th grade year”.
 
We are extremely proud of our winners and wish them the best of luck in the programs that they will be attending this summer and into the fall.